Before winter sets in and hats, mitts, scarves and thermal underwear take up the majority of your luggage, there is still time for one last fall escape to Whistler.
Stay
Newly built in 2008, this 77-suite boutique hotel overlooks Nita Lake at the base of Whistler Mountain. At this time of year, hiking or biking around the valley trail is a great way to burn off any of the calories you consume at one of the hotels deluxe restaurants, or begin your winter training program for the ski season.
The hotel offers private yoga classes, at a variety of levels. On my last visit my friend, she a beginner and I a bit more advanced, took a class and the instructor succeeded in pushing us both a little, however not too far from our comfort zone.
The onsite Ashram Spa treatments include Ayurvedic Body Therapies. I highly recommend the Udvartana – Exfoliation, which includes a massage and full body exfoliation using an herbal paste that left my skin and muscles feeling ultra-rejuvenated. There’s also traditional massages, manicures and reflexology offered.
Nita Lake Lodge is proudly dog friendly too.
DEALS
Stay between October 10 and December 15, 2011 and you will receive the amount you paid for your room (including the tax) to use anytime between January 8 and April 15, 2012 Sunday to Thursday in conjunction with a guestroom stay. DETAILS HERE
Jaunt is also offering a getaway package until October 4
- 1 night’s accommodation for two in a 1-bedroom Mountain View Suite, featuring a King bed, floor-to-ceiling basalt gas fireplace, personal kitchenette, luxurious bathroom with double soaker bathtub, separate plate glass rain shower, complimentary WiFi and local calls and a 3/4 length wall that divides sleeping quarters from the living area
- $165 for a weekday stay (Sunday to Thursday)
- $185 for a weekend stay (Friday or Saturday)
- Full gourmet breakfast for two at Fix Cafe & Deli including one main dish, one hot drink and one beverage
- Charcuterie for two featuring an innovative assortment of dry cured meats, pates & sausages made fresh in the Cure Lounge kitchen
- Two proprietary cocktails by Hailey Pasemko, Commander and Chief of Beverage at Nita Lake Lodge
- Complimentary parking DETAILS HERE
Play
No trip to Whistler is complete with a ride in the Peak to Peak Gondola, a four kilometer journey connecting the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Zip Trecking is one of my top recommendations for those craving a bit more excitement, and the ATV rentals and tours such as the Bushwacker take you into the forest on some rocky terrain.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre offers art & exhibits on display showcasing the history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and is well worth allotting some time for. Check ahead for tour times and the possibility of performances.
There are dozens of safe hiking trails, a mountain bike park, glacier tours, wine dinners and kids activities. Check out the list here.
Shop
Whistler Farmer’s Market is on until October 9. Head to the market for breakfast, pick up some Maison Cote salts and don’t forget a bottle or two of Nonna Pia’s Gourmet Balsamic Reductions, made right in Whistler. Drizzle the reductions atop meats, pizzas and a late summer tomato salad and you’ll get a five star rating from your dinner guests.
Dine
While you can hop aboard the complimentary Land Rover shuttle to head up into Whistler Village, there is really no need to if dinner is what you are looking for. Executive Chef Tim Cuff uses organic, sustainable, and wherever possible local ingredients to craft meals that are among the best Whistler, or for that matter, British Columbia, have to offer.
Bartender Hailey Pasemko is innovative in her approach to the cocktail menu, so do go down for pre-dinner drinks if you are looking for something to sip on before your meal. Pasemko could also provide you with a cocktail pairing for each course, or you may want to switch to wine, as the wine list is impressive and has a good BC wine component.
The hotel’s Fix Cafe and Deli is your all day option for snacks and beverages. Great sandwiches and pizzas. Open 7 am – 4 pm.
Upcoming Events
Fungus Among Us – Mushroom Festival from October 15-16
Tapley’s Halloween – October 31
Cornucopia – Celebration of Food and Wine from November 10-13
